10/22/09

Would that be NORTH or SOUTH????

A word of warning to parents traveling to sporting events across your gorgeous state of Oregon.

1. When reading the directions, try to determine if the Route 44 you are supposed to take is a N or S. This will prove important, and will help you NOT to drive 24 miles in the wrong direction.

2. When the back, twisty, country roads say the speed limit is 25 mph, make sure you follow THAT rule. Odds are great that many farmers will be driving their QUITE LARGE tractors on this particular back road on this gorgeous sunny afternoon.

3. When the directions say you will travel 28.6 miles on a desolate, windy, mountainous Rte 687, they really mean 4000.

4. When you stop (for the third time) at a tiny house converted into a gas station/convenience store, and the girl behind the counter has piercings ALL over her face and is sporting an incredible hair-do with two distinct colors, don’t let her fool ya. SHE’S the one who will finally give you the right directions. In fact, you might want to kiss her.

5. When you arrive at this out of the way field in time to see the last 25 minutes of play, you will smile. Because there, on that field, you will watch your daughter play with incredible athleticism and grace – and you will know in your heart that this twisty, windy, frustrating trip to nowhere has really been a trip to somewhere. And, it has been worth it. In many more ways than you can measure.

When visiting Oregon a few years ago, we were traveling the roads all over this gorgeous state. But I was a basket case. Didn't realize that I would be gripped with fear, white knuckling the doors, and looking down sheer drops on a continual basis. Not to mention the signs "Look out for falling rocks." My adrenalin was so high at one point, I begged my husband to stop the car and promptly started crying from the adrenalin drop.

Beautiful, beautiful state. But for a flat earth dweller, way too scary.

This post had it all, like a really good movie...it made me laugh, snort actually....then came number five....the love of a mother, as always made me cry...wonderful happy tears....(I know, I know, man up) great post;)

5. When you arrive at this out of the way field in time to see the last 25 minutes of play, you will smile. Because there, on that field, you will watch your daughter play with incredible athleticism and grace – and you will know in your heart that this twisty, windy, frustrating trip to nowhere has really been a trip to somewhere. And, it has been worth it. In many more ways than you can measure.

Ah how sweet... And this is why my kids werent allowed to play on travel teams. Kidding, they actually moved onto some other interest before they got old enough.. but no matter there was still that out of the way camp ground.

Living in the South, I LOVE the colors on those trees! As for the banjo...um, no...not bringin' THAT thing around! For some reason "You sure do gots a purty mouth, boy" keeps streaming thru my head...I know, I need help!

"....that leads to your blog..."Aw shucks Janie I was gonna jump in and sing back up vocals!I say if there's a banjo then it's a good thing I brought my hip flask!The only North/South issues I had was a confused GPS taking me south instead of north on the 57 in LA. Those highways; That traffic; That heat!! A faint hearted gal from outta town could die of thirst!

I have sadly learned that if I think I am going North, I am actually going south. However, I am the queen of throwing pride out the window and asking directions! It sounds like you didn't let frustration get the best of you! That was the real winner that day!

Don't forget to tip the waitress. I really DO live on tips....

Our New DonorsChoose request....who doesn't love a kitchen??

About Me

I am a teacher, a writer, and the mother of three children. I've decided I'll never give up. No matter how many battles I lose; no matter how many tears I shed; no matter how many martinis I have to drink, I will continue to fight the good fight! I love to laugh, believe that every day is a new day, and thank God each morning that I am still here.